preparing to sleep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preparing to sleep" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the act of getting ready for sleep, such as in a bedtime routine or when discussing sleep habits. Example: "After a long day, I enjoy preparing to sleep by reading a book and dimming the lights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Bijeta Singh, 24, was among the many preparing to sleep out in Kathmandu.

The Guardian

Across the country, some of the most prominent agents in the game were preparing to sleep in their offices, the better to manage the expected round-the-clock negotiations to come.

The New York Times - Sports

Lal Muhammad, 36, an Uzbek refugee, said he was preparing to sleep on the floor of a restaurant in Kunduz on Saturday night when a group of villagers from Alchin arrived to tell the story.

The New York Times

Her eyes alone made me look down in shame as she explained how a group of South Africans came to her rented home last Monday evening just as they were preparing to sleep and demanded that they go back to where they came from.

BBC

Hospitals have quickly filled up and thousands are preparing to sleep outside tonight in makeshift tents. .

Vice

That first night, Ali was preparing to sleep in Lewinsky Park when a Sudanese stranger invited him to stay in the one-room apartment he shared with six others.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Not prepared to sleep close to the ground?

The Times

On a low rooftop in the distance, hotel employees spread out blankets and prepared to sleep beneath the stars.

The New Yorker

As they prepared to sleep, Wolfred arranged a log on the fire and then fell back as if struck.

The New Yorker

"We are prepared to sleep in the streets for Hassan Nasrullah," said Hanan Nasr, a veiled 18-year-old woman.

The Guardian

He said he was prepared to sleep at the coffee shop if he became stranded by the storm.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sequence of actions before bedtime, use "preparing to sleep" to highlight the specific act of getting ready for rest, as opposed to the broader routine.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "preparing to sleep" can sound slightly informal in certain professional or academic writing. Opt for phrases like "making preparations for rest" or "initiating sleep hygiene practices" to maintain a more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preparing to sleep" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the action of getting ready for sleep, often indicating a process or activity, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

14%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preparing to sleep" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of getting ready for bed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English and appears across a range of sources, though more frequently in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it might benefit from more formal alternatives like "making preparations for rest" in certain contexts. When using the phrase, consider that it highlights the action of preparing for sleep rather than a broader bedtime routine.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preparing for slumber

Synonymous, using "slumber" instead of "sleep".

getting ready for bed

Focuses more on the overall routine before sleep, rather than just the act of preparing.

winding down for the night

Implies a gradual relaxation process leading to sleep.

getting set for sleep

Emphasizes the arrangement or setup before sleeping.

readying oneself for slumber

A more formal and literary way of saying preparing for sleep.

about to go to sleep

Indicates the imminence of sleeping.

getting into bed

Focuses on the physical action of entering the bed.

turning in for the night

An idiomatic expression for going to bed.

getting cozy for sleep

Implies creating a comfortable environment before sleep.

settling in for the night

Suggests making oneself comfortable and ready for sleep.

FAQs

What does "preparing to sleep" mean?

The phrase "preparing to sleep" means getting ready or making arrangements for sleeping. This might include activities like changing into pajamas, turning off the lights, or reading a book to relax.

What can I say instead of "preparing to sleep"?

You can use alternatives like "getting ready for bed", "winding down for the night", or "preparing for slumber" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "prepared to sleep" instead of "preparing to sleep"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Prepared to sleep" indicates a state of readiness, while "preparing to sleep" describes the act of getting ready. For example, “I was prepared to sleep at the coffee shop if I became stranded by the storm”.

How do you use "preparing to sleep" in a sentence?

You can use "preparing to sleep" to describe the actions someone takes before going to bed, such as, "She was "preparing to sleep" outside tonight in makeshift tents."